Dutton Phaeton starter

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

Hi, Well the starter in my Dutton phaeton has died. The engine is out of a Hunter Hillman. I managed to unbolt the starter but it only comes out about a 1/2 of a inch then stops. I tried moving it up and down and left an right but it doesn't help. It seems to hit something solid inside the bell housing. Any suggestions. I have found a replacement on Ebay. I just do not want to by it until I can compare it with mine. I miss driving the old girl.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

I've turned the starter 360 degrees but cannot tell if the shaft is turning. I've tried to tilt the starter in all directions. With the flashlight I can tell the starter gear is within sight on the starter but still no luck.

[1midz0wwbl268]

Have you managed to remove that starter now?  it sounds very strange, once un bolted, the starter should just come away, even if its sticking  shaking it side to side should free the bendix unless its something that youve missed , 

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

Still having no luck. I've tried using a mirror to see inside but the exhaust manifold is in the way. I have tilted it in every direction. The starter is about 1/2 inch out but hits something solid before coming out any more. I've also pushed it in and out but to no effect.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

Daryl, Is it possible to disassemble the starter while it is still in the car?

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

I got it out!!! Thanks guys for all the input. Without you guys there have been a number of problems I just could not figure out. You guys have helped me cure them all. I had to move the brake line that was on the right side to get it away from the flywheel so that I could pull the starter in that direction. Stephen your idea did the trick.

[1midz0wwbl268]

Thank goodness for that, well done, at least it was something as simple as moving a brake line ,  it just goes to show you  how much of a pain a car car be at times 

[James Doulton]

I think that you meant "Classic", Steve.

[James Doulton]

Duttons were one of the biggest selling kit car marques ever with about 8,500 cars sold. This was only beaten by Lotus who sold nearly 40,000 (all kit models), Caterham with 13,500 and Westfield with 11,500. Of those Duttons, about 3,200 were Sierras, 3,100 were Phaetons and 1,500 were Meloses. [from A-Z of Kit Cars - Steve Hole]. As the last kits were sold in 1989, or so, then they are all over 25 years old, so not yet 'antique'. In order to boost attendance at classic car shows, Duttons are often welcome. The real difference is that we tend to own them to drive them and the true classic car owners tend to own them to polish them.